1480.] Christ's appearance to mary magdalene. 191
Christ's appearance to mary magdalene.
Mark xvi. 9. Noiv when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
ON few subjects has the ingenuity of critics been exercised more than in reconciling the accounts which the different Evangelists give respecting the appear- ances of Christ after his resurrection. It is not to be wondered at, that, when such a great variety of occurrences are related in so small a space, some by one person, and others by another, some in a more concise, and others in a more detailed way, there should arise a difficulty in adjusting the precise order in which every fact arose. Cavillers indeed, and infidels have made this a matter of triumph ; as if the existence of a difficulty in such a particular as this would invalidate the testimony of the inspired writers altogether. But we do not hesitate to say, that it confirms rather than lessens, the credibility of their testimony ; since it proves to a demonstration, that there was no concert between them, but that they related in the simplicity of their minds what they knew to be true, without inquiring whether, in record- ing a fact, the omission of a trifling circumstance might occasion some obscurity respecting the order or man- ner of its accomplishment. Leaving those smaller matters, we shall fix our attention on points of the first magnitude and importance : we shall,
I. Notice the manifestations which Jesus gave of himself after his resurrection from the dead —
His first appearance only is mentioned in the text : but it was so speedily followed by others, and their united effect is so important in establishing the truth of his Divine mission, that we may well combine them together, and set them before you in a collective view.
They were,
1. Early—